Hungarian lawmakers on Tuesday elected former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka, a prominent critic of Viktor Orban who was removed from office during the former prime minister's rule, as the country's next president. Baka's election comes at a politically significant moment for Hungary, after the contested removal last month of former President Tamas Sulyok, an ally of Orban.&nbsp;The change is part of a broader political transition under pro-European conservative Prime Minister Peter Magyar, whose government is seeking to weaken Orban's lingering influence over Hungary's state institutions. Parliament, where Magyar's ruling Tisza party holds a two-thirds majority, elected the 73-year-old Baka with 140 votes in favour and six against. Tisza nominated Baka for the largely ceremonial presidency on Saturday.&nbsp;Magyar praised Baka's record, saying his career served "as an example of commitment to the democratic rule of law and constitutional principles" as Hungary needs to be "guided back onto the path of the rule of law and constitutional governance".<h2>Why Baka's election matters</h2>Baka's appointment carries strong symbolic significance because of his long-running conflict with the institutional changes introduced under Orban. The former judge served for 17 years at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg and became one of the most prominent judicial figures to challenge policies implemented during Orban's rule. His election therefore represents more than a change in Hungary's largely ceremonial presidency. Supporters of Magyar's government see Baka as a figure who could help restore confidence in the country's judicial independence and constitutional institutions after years of criticism over Orban's governance.<h2>Baka's history with Orban's government</h2>Baka has a long history of challenging decisions made during Orban's rule. After Hungary's transition to democracy, Baka briefly served as a lawmaker after being elected in 1990 on the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) party list.He subsequently spent 17 years as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights, serving from 1991 to 2008.In 2009, Baka was nominated to head Hungary's Supreme Court.&nbsp;His tenure, however, ended abruptly in 2012 after he criticised legislation introduced under Orban that lowered the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 62. Baka described the move as a judicial purge. The European Union and the United States criticised the retirement-age measure as illegal. In 2016, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Baka's dismissal violated his freedom of expression.&nbsp;His legal battle against the Hungarian government's decision has since become an important part of the debate over judicial independence and the rule of law in Hungary. "His nomination also carries a symbolic meaning, given that Baka went all the way to prove that what happened to him was not really in line with European Union norms," analyst Bulcsu Zsiga of the Centre for Fair Political Analysis told AFP.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-denies-frequent-contact-fed-chair-kevin-warsh-interest-rates-1786457727700">Trump denies frequent contact with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh amid pressure over interest rates</a><h2>How long will Baka serve?</h2>Magyar has indicated that Baka could serve only part of the standard presidential term. The prime minister has linked the presidency to his broader plan to replace the Basic Law adopted during the Orban era with a new constitution.Magyar has said the replacement constitution should be drafted through extensive public participation.&nbsp;He has estimated that the process could take between one and one and a half years and has promised to begin public consultations next month. If that process moves forward, Baka's presidency could therefore become part of a larger constitutional transition rather than simply a conventional change of head of state.<h2>What Baka's presidency means for Hungary</h2>Baka's election marks a striking reversal from the period in which he was removed from Hungary's highest judicial office after challenging an Orban-era judicial reform. Now, the same judge who took his case to Europe's highest human rights court has been chosen to become Hungary's head of state under a government promising to restore democratic institutions. For Magyar, the appointment provides a powerful symbol of the political transformation promised during his election campaign.&nbsp;For Orban's supporters, however, the change represents another step in what they regard as an aggressive dismantling of the previous government's institutional legacy. Baka's presidency is therefore likely to be closely watched as Hungary enters a potentially far-reaching period of constitutional and political reform.

Hungary elects former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka as president as Peter Magyar seeks to restore rule of law and roll back Viktor Orban's legacy

Hungarian lawmakers on Tuesday elected former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka, a prominent critic of Viktor Orban who was removed from office during the former prime minister's rule, as the country's next president. Baka's election comes at a politically significant moment for Hungary, after the contested removal last month of former President Tamas Sulyok, an ally of Orban. The change is part of a broader political transition under pro-European conservative Prime Minister Peter Magyar, whose government is seeking to weaken Orban's lingering influence over Hungary's state institutions. Parliament, where Magyar's ruling Tisza party holds a two-thirds majority, elected the 73-year-old Baka with 140 votes in favour and six against. Tisza nominated Baka for the largely ceremonial presidency on Saturday. Magyar praised Baka's record, saying his career served "as an example of commitment to the democratic rule of law and constitutional principles" as Hungary needs to be "guided back onto the path of the rule of law and constitutional governance". Why Baka's election matters Baka's appointment carries strong symbolic significance because of his long-running conflict with the institutional changes introduced under Orban. The former judge served for 17 years at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg and became one of the most prominent judicial figures to challenge policies implemented during Orban's rule. His election therefore represents more than a change in Hungary's largely ceremonial presidency. Supporters of Magyar's government see Baka as a figure who could help restore confidence in the country's judicial independence and constitutional institutions after years of criticism over Orban's governance. Baka's history with Orban's government Baka has a long history of challenging decisions made during Orban's rule. After Hungary's transition to democracy, Baka briefly served as a lawmaker after being elected in 1990 on the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) party list. He subsequently spent 17 years as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights, serving from 1991 to 2008. In 2009, Baka was nominated to head Hungary's Supreme Court. His tenure, however, ended abruptly in 2012 after he criticised legislation introduced under Orban that lowered the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 62. Baka described the move as a judicial purge. The European Union and the United States criticised the retirement-age measure as illegal. In 2016, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Baka's dismissal violated his freedom of expression. His legal battle against the Hungarian government's decision has since become an important part of the debate over judicial independence and the rule of law in Hungary. "His nomination also carries a symbolic meaning, given that Baka went all the way to prove that what happened to him was not really in line with European Union norms," analyst Bulcsu Zsiga of the Centre for Fair Political Analysis told AFP. Also Read: Trump denies frequent contact with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh amid pressure over interest rates How long will Baka serve? Magyar has indicated that Baka could serve only part of the standard presidential term. The prime minister has linked the presidency to his broader plan to replace the Basic Law adopted during the Orban era with a new constitution. Magyar has said the replacement constitution should be drafted through extensive public participation. He has estimated that the process could take between one and one and a half years and has promised to begin public consultations next month. If that process moves forward, Baka's presidency could therefore become part of a larger constitutional transition rather than simply a conventional change of head of state. What Baka's presidency means for Hungary Baka's election marks a striking reversal from the period in which he was removed from Hungary's highest judicial office after challenging an Orban-era judicial reform. Now, the same judge who took his case to Europe's highest human rights court has been chosen to become Hungary's head of state under a government promising to restore democratic institutions. For Magyar, the appointment provides a powerful symbol of the political transformation promised during his election campaign. For Orban's supporters, however, the change represents another step in what they regard as an aggressive dismantling of the previous government's institutional legacy. Baka's presidency is therefore likely to be closely watched as Hungary enters a potentially far-reaching period of constitutional and political reform.

Hungary elects Orban critic Andras Baka as president as Peter Magyar pushes reforms to dismantle the former PM's institutional legacy

Who is Andras Baka? Viktor Orban critic chosen as Hungary's new president

Hungary's President Katalin Novak announced her resignation on Saturday (Feb 10) following intense public backlash over her decision to pardon a man convicted as an accomplice in covering up a sex abuse case at a children's home.

Addressing the nation in a televised speech, Novak said, "I made a mistake... Today is the last day that I address you as president."&nbsp;

She admitted to granting a pardon in April, believing the convicted individual did not exploit the vulnerability of the children under his care. She, however, recognised the lack of reasoning behind the decision, and acknowledged doubts raised about the country's zero-tolerance stance on paedophilia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-legal-action-against-hungarys-controversial-sovereignty-law-687896">EU launches legal action against Hungary’s controversial ‘sovereignty law’</a>

Earlier, protests had erupted in the capital Budapest, with scores of people demanding Novak's resignation.&nbsp;

Opposition parties had also called for her departure from office.&nbsp;

The controversy arose when Novak pardoned several individuals, including the deputy director of a children's home, just before a visit by Pope Francis in April 2023.

One of the pardoned individuals, Endre K, had been sentenced in 2022 to three years and four months in prison. Novak's pardon allowed him to be set free.

<h2>Who is Katalin Novak?</h2>

Novak, an ally and former family minister of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was Hungary's first female president and the youngest person to hold the office. Her resignation marked a rare moment of political turmoil for Orban's nationalist governing party, Fidesz, which has maintained a constitutional majority since 2010.

Also watch |&nbsp;Hungary PM Viktor Orban opposes billion dollar aid for Kyiv | WION

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Judit Varga, another key Fidesz figure implicated in the pardon as Hungary's former minister of justice, announced her resignation from public life in a Facebook post.

Varga, expected to lead Fidesz's list of European Parliament candidates, took political responsibility for endorsing the controversial pardon.

Prime Minister Orban, while not directly addressing the Novak controversy, announced a constitutional amendment to prevent convicted child abusers from receiving clemency. In a Facebook video, he said that there will be "no mercy for paedophile offenders". 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Hungary's President Katalin Novak announced her resignation on Saturday (Feb 10) following intense public backlash over her decision to pardon a man convicted as an accomplice in covering up a sex abuse case at a children's home.

Hungary's President Katalin Novak announced her resignation on Saturday (Feb 10) following intense public backlash over her decision to pardon a man convicted as an accomplice in covering up a sex abuse case at a children's home. Addressing the nation in a televised speech, Novak said, "I made a mistake... Today is the last day that I address you as president." She admitted to granting a pardon in April, believing the convicted individual did not exploit the vulnerability of the children under his care. She, however, recognised the lack of reasoning behind the decision, and acknowledged doubts raised about the country's zero-tolerance stance on paedophilia. Also read | EU launches legal action against Hungary’s controversial ‘sovereignty law’ Earlier, protests had erupted in the capital Budapest, with scores of people demanding Novak's resignation. Opposition parties had also called for her departure from office. The controversy arose when Novak pardoned several individuals, including the deputy director of a children's home, just before a visit by Pope Francis in April 2023. One of the pardoned individuals, Endre K, had been sentenced in 2022 to three years and four months in prison. Novak's pardon allowed him to be set free. Who is Katalin Novak? Novak, an ally and former family minister of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was Hungary's first female president and the youngest person to hold the office. Her resignation marked a rare moment of political turmoil for Orban's nationalist governing party, Fidesz, which has maintained a constitutional majority since 2010. Also watch | Hungary PM Viktor Orban opposes billion dollar aid for Kyiv | WION × Judit Varga, another key Fidesz figure implicated in the pardon as Hungary's former minister of justice, announced her resignation from public life in a Facebook post. Varga, expected to lead Fidesz's list of European Parliament candidates, took political responsibility for endorsing the controversial pardon. Prime Minister Orban, while not directly addressing the Novak controversy, announced a constitutional amendment to prevent convicted child abusers from receiving clemency. In a Facebook video, he said that there will be "no mercy for paedophile offenders". (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary’s President Katalin Novak resigns after row over pardoning of paedophile

Hungary's President Katalin Novak has resigned following immense pressure from a decision to pardon a man convicted of helping to cover up sexual abuse in a children's home.

Hungary President steps down amid intense pressure for pardoning Child Abuse accomplice

Hungary President Katalin Novak resigns over pardon controversy, admits mistake publicly

Hungary's President Katalin Novak has resigned following immense pressure from a decision to pardon a man convicted of helping to cover up sexual abuse in a children's home. Watch to know more!

Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigns over pardon controversy

Hungary&nbsp;has supported European Union&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against Russia but its own economy will be also inevitably impacted by them, Prime Minister Viktor&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;told state radio on Friday.

Orban&nbsp;said the first hit to the Hungarian economy was the Sberbank's shutting down its European operations earlier this week, where many clients including companies lost their money.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-russia-conflict-here-are-the-top-russian-oligarchs-hit-with-eu-sanctions-458882">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Here are the top Russian oligarchs hit with EU sanction</a>

"Sanctions&nbsp;have a price as it is a double-edged&nbsp;weapon, and we will pay this price in the short term,"&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;said in an interview, adding the government had to work to mitigate the direct damage from the measures against Russia.

"This is only the beginning of this crisis," he added.&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;faces parliamentary elections on April 3 where he will seek a fourth consecutive term.

The National Bank of&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;withdrew the license of Sberbank's unit after the European Central Bank ordered the closure of its European parent. Client deposits worth up to 100,000 euros will be refunded by the National Deposit Insurance Fund.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-seize-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-as-ukrainians-put-out-fire-458825">Russian forces seize Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as Ukrainians put out fire</a>

Orban&nbsp;also said surging energy prices across Europe would fuel additional inflation pressures that the central bank and the government would have to handle.

He said about 70%-80% of around 140,000 people who fled Ukraine and arrived in&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;went on to other countries, but there were many who stay - and for whom&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;would want to offer jobs.

"We have started talks with employers ... so that those who stay would get work,"&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Has Russia lost China's support?

He said&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;could offer accommodation and pay costs of refugees for three months - a benefit job seekers in&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;get - but then they would have to take a job and somehow settle into Hungarians' lives.

The Hungarian economy, like its peers in Central Europe, has been struggling with a labour shortage and tens of thousands of Ukrainians had been working in&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;already prior to the Russian invasion.

Hungary has supported European Union sanctions against Russia but its own economy will be also inevitably impacted by them, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday.

Hungary has supported European Union sanctions against Russia but its own economy will be also inevitably impacted by them, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday. Orban said the first hit to the Hungarian economy was the Sberbank's shutting down its European operations earlier this week, where many clients including companies lost their money. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Here are the top Russian oligarchs hit with EU sanction "Sanctions have a price as it is a double-edged weapon, and we will pay this price in the short term," Orban said in an interview, adding the government had to work to mitigate the direct damage from the measures against Russia. "This is only the beginning of this crisis," he added. Orban faces parliamentary elections on April 3 where he will seek a fourth consecutive term. The National Bank of Hungary withdrew the license of Sberbank's unit after the European Central Bank ordered the closure of its European parent. Client deposits worth up to 100,000 euros will be refunded by the National Deposit Insurance Fund. Also read | Russian forces seize Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as Ukrainians put out fire Orban also said surging energy prices across Europe would fuel additional inflation pressures that the central bank and the government would have to handle. He said about 70%-80% of around 140,000 people who fled Ukraine and arrived in Hungary went on to other countries, but there were many who stay - and for whom Hungary would want to offer jobs. "We have started talks with employers ... so that those who stay would get work," Orban said. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Has Russia lost China's support? He said Hungary could offer accommodation and pay costs of refugees for three months - a benefit job seekers in Hungary get - but then they would have to take a job and somehow settle into Hungarians' lives. The Hungarian economy, like its peers in Central Europe, has been struggling with a labour shortage and tens of thousands of Ukrainians had been working in Hungary already prior to the Russian invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis:Hungary PM Orban calls sanctions 'double-edged weapon'

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